Boston Mayor Thomas Menino: State of the city 'striking, sound and strong'

Boston Mayor Tom Menino, hospitalized for eight weeks last fall, used a cane to walk to the podium during extended applause, and spoke vigorously about his plans for Boston at his annual state-of-the-city speech on Tuesday night.Josh Reynolds / Associated Press [file]

BOSTON — Mayor Thomas Menino, returning to the spotlight after health problems last fall, said Tuesday night in his annual state-of-the-city address that he's never been more optimistic about Boston's future, and outlined new initiatives to improve education and equal opportunities for working women.

Menino, hospitalized for eight weeks last fall, used a cane to walk to the podium during extended applause, and spoke vigorously about his plans for Boston. He didn't say if he's decided to seek a sixth term later this year, which he's not required to do until May. Boston's longest serving mayor, now 70, was re-elected to a fifth four-year term in 2009.

"Our progress is real. Our future is bright. The state of our city is striking, sound and strong," he said in prepared remarks that cited progress on economic development and crime reduction.

Menino announced $30 million in new funding for underperforming schools, and described a new pilot program with Harvard and MIT through edX, BostonX, to bring online learning to community centers.

He announced plans to promote working equality for women, including a new Women's Workforce Council, a $1 million loan program for day care providers, and a women's networking program.

He also reiterated his support for gun control, which he has long pushed with New York's Michael Bloomberg and other mayors. He criticized the National Rifle Association's call for more armed guards at schools after the Connecticut school shooting in December. "That is crazy," Menino said. "Every victim of gun violence and their families knows that's crazy."

Among those attending the speech were Gov. Deval Patrick and other leaders, including Boston-area U.S. Reps. Edward Markey and Stephen Lynch, expected to seek Sen. John Kerry's seat in a special election after his confirmation Tuesday as Secretary of State.

Menino thanked his doctors and supporters for helping in his recovery from a respiratory infection and a blood clot that was complicated by a spinal fracture and diabetes, saying he "wasn't the best patient."